On April 16, 2002, thirty four top leaders
of China Gospel Fellowship (CGF) were kidnapped by the Eastern
Lightning Cult (the EL) who claimed to be from the Singapore
Haggai Leadership Institute, in the name of leadership training.
This event has caused great concern among fellow Christians
both in and outside of China.
Soon after the kidnapping, the remaining CGF
top leaders and the family members of the victims reported
the case to a related governmental body in Beijing. During
that time, we declined any interviews offered by both Chinese
and overseas friends. Neither did we disclose any details
in relation to the April 16 event. We did this out of concern
for our political environment, the security of family members
of the kidnapped, and for the efforts the PSB were making
in resolving the case. We sincerely ask for understanding
from all fellow Christians.
There have been different reports about this
event circulated through the Internet and other media, but
most of them have been rumors blowing around without much
accuracy. However, these reports have achieved some positive
results. Because of them, the news of the kidnapping was spread
across the world rapidly, and many brothers and sisters were
informed and became sincerely concerned. Many fellow believers
who had never heard of us started to pay close attention to
our situation and devoted themselves to earnest fasting and
prayers for us, revealing the greatness of the love of Christ.
With the fervent prayer-support of fellow Christians
in and outside of China, with the great effort of the police
along with the cooperation of CGF coworkers, all the leaders
who had been confined have now been gradually released. The
case is now reaching its end. Therefore, we have composed
this report to give an account of all the details related
to this event, and to express our sincere appreciation to
all friends and fellow Christians who have been concerned
about us.
